Mateo Rogers

Share your military spouse story:
As a Navy veteran and military spouse, my journey is one of resilience, service, and deep understanding. I served as a welder aboard the USS Enterprise, completing two deployments and experiencing the challenges of life at sea. Now, as a spouse, I’ve navigated the emotional and logistical hurdles of two deployments from the homefront, with another one on the horizon. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the sacrifices of both service members and their families, and they fuel my passion for creating meaningful change within the military community. Currently, I serve as the Community Outreach Manager at Operation Gratitude, where I combine my skills in outreach and fundraising to ensure our deployed troops feel the appreciation they deserve. Through care packages, heartfelt messages, and financial stewardship, I work to connect civilians and military members in a shared mission of gratitude and support. Fundraising for this cause is deeply personal, as I know firsthand how much these gestures mean to those serving far from home. In addition to my professional role, I serve as the VP for the Tiger Support Group at my husband’s command, working tirelessly to foster connection and provide resources for families navigating the challenges of military life. I also empower spouses and families through mentoring and creating opportunities to strengthen their communities, such as organizing outdoor programs with Blue Star Families. My story is compelling because it represents the heart of our community. A story of service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to support those who serve and their families. Whether welding on the deck of an aircraft carrier, fundraising for troops, or building connections at my husband’s command, my work is rooted in the belief that no one should feel unseen or unsupported. I am proud to embody the strength and compassion of military spouses, working every day to make a lasting impact for our military families.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
For me, leadership is about stepping up when it matters most and empowering others to thrive. As a Navy veteran, I’ve seen the sacrifices service requires. As a military spouse, I’ve lived through the challenges of deployments, managing my career, and holding everything together back home. Those experiences have shaped how I lead, with empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of what military families need. As a Fall 24' alumni of the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program, I have strengthened my leadership skills and gained new tools to advocate for our community. That experience deepened my commitment to serving others and taught me how to amplify the voices of military families in meaningful ways. Whether it’s as Vice President of the Tiger Support Group or in my role at Operation Gratitude, I strive to create spaces where people feel valued and supported. Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about bringing others together and inspiring positive change.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My connection to the military community runs deep, shaped by my experiences as both a Navy veteran and a military spouse. Serving aboard the USS Enterprise, I learned firsthand the importance of camaraderie and support among service members. Now, as a spouse navigating deployments, I focus on building that same sense of connection for military families. I am actively involved as Vice President of the Tiger Support Group at my husband’s command, where I organize events and provide resources to strengthen our community. Professionally, my role as Community Outreach Manager at Operation Gratitude allows me to bridge the gap between civilians and service members, ensuring troops feel appreciated through meaningful care packages and support. My commitment is to ensure that no one feels isolated, and I work daily to support, advocate for, and uplift our incredible military community.

Describe how you support your community:
Building a strong, inclusive community for military spouses is something I am deeply passionate about. My experiences as both a Navy veteran and military spouse have given me a unique perspective on the diverse challenges spouses face. I advocate for creating environments where all spouses, regardless of branch or background, feel seen and supported. As Vice President of the Tiger Support Group, I’ve worked to ensure that all families, from different walks of life, have the resources and connection they need to thrive. I’ve also helped shape initiatives through Operation Gratitude and Blue Star Families that reach across the spectrum of military experiences, fostering unity and well-being. My commitment is to not only support those currently serving but to create a lasting impact for future generations of military spouses. I strive to bring voices together and advocate for a community that is as resilient as it is diverse.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for the well-being, recognition, and support of military families, particularly military spouses. As both a Navy veteran and military spouse, I understand the unique challenges we face. My focus is on creating inclusive communities where all military spouses, regardless of background, ethnicity, or age, feel seen and supported. The military brings us together, and that shared experience is powerful enough to foster unity and mutual care. I also advocate for greater appreciation of military spouses’ contributions, which are too often overlooked in both the military and civilian spheres. By ensuring our voices are heard and our needs addressed, I aim to strengthen not just individual families, but the entire military community. My work is rooted in the belief that inclusivity and support for one another make us stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to face the challenges we encounter.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Effective communication is central to my advocacy for military spouses. Whether through public speaking, social media, or one-on-one conversations, I aim to share our stories and raise awareness about the needs of our community. While I haven’t specifically worked with media outlets, I leverage platforms like LinkedIn to spread the word about initiatives I am creating and taking part in. I highlight the challenges military spouses face and share opportunities for others to get involved, support, and build a stronger community. Through these platforms, I engage others in discussions about how we can better support one another and drive change. My goal is to ensure that military spouses’ voices are heard, and that our collective needs are addressed. I’m committed to using my communication skills to make a positive impact and encourage others to get involved.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to amplify the voices of military spouses, especially those who are often overlooked, like male spouses, who can be hesitant to join family support groups, but need just as much support as anyone else. I aim to raise awareness of the unique challenges we, as military spouses, face and create more opportunities for connection, support, and empowerment within our community. I also want to shine a light on the serious issue of food insecurity within the military spouse community, which often goes unnoticed. I hope to use this platform to partner with organizations focused on addressing this issue, creating stronger networks of support for families in need. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to get involved, spread awareness, and create lasting change. I want military spouses to feel seen, supported, and empowered, knowing that we are stronger together and can make a real difference for our families and communities.